God-Tier Enhancement: My Upgrades Never Fail-Chapter 207: Episode _Smoked Golden Chicken (3)

5.

"Hey, I’m a close friend of Yeseul’s!" Simin protested.

"Even for the disciple of the Great Black Mage, betrayal has its price," a black magic mage retorted.

"It’s not betrayal! If Yeseul is on your side, then I’m on your side too!"

"We will not be fooled by such a transparent lie."

"No, really! I’m willing to join forces with the demons!"

"Do not lie. We have seen with our own two eyes that a Sanctuary has been established in the Rich Territory."

"That’s a deception, you idiot! I had to install it so no one would suspect I was going to betray them, right?"

Simin pleaded his case, but the black magic mages weren’t buying it, even though his words were filled with sincerity. This wasn’t just a ploy to get through the current crisis.

"Argh, why won’t you understand my true feelings?!"

In reality, Simin was more than willing to betray the continent. To him, the game was a business. Justice and all that nonsense could go to hell; if he could make a lot of money, he was prepared to swear allegiance to the Demon King himself. And now, a channel of communication with the demons had opened up. Kardian could also serve as a liaison, but with her current restrictions, she was useless.

"Silence. How dare you try to deceive black magic mages with that silver tongue."

"Disciple of the Great Black Mage, please make your decision."

Yeseul fell silent.

The situation left Kang Yeseul in a bind. She now had followers she’d never expected, and a conflict had arisen with Han Simin, with whom she’d maintained a relationship for so long. It was time to choose a side. Of course, her heart was already with Simin; it wasn’t even a comparison.

The black magic mages were complete strangers. She had no intention of betraying the comrades she’d been with for so long just to get involved with them. However, having played the game to an expert level, her instincts told her to simply keep her mouth shut for now.

Seeing this, Simin spoke to her through the guild chat. "Hey, Yeseul, just go over to their side."

"Huh?"

"Pretend to betray me for now."

"Why?"

"Why? You find out a lottery ticket you bought eleven months ago and forgot about is a first-prize winner. Are you just going to throw it away?"

"Well, no, but..."

"You know Fantastic World revolves around black magic mages these days, right? They’ll be a constant presence from the start of Act 3 of the main quest until it ends, probably even through Act 4. We can’t miss this opportunity."

Yeseul fell silent.

"For now, go over there and hang back. I’ll take care of it."

"Okay."

She spoke of betrayal and accepted it without a moment’s hesitation. Such a thing would be impossible without mutual trust. Seolah didn’t even ask him what he was thinking. Even a new player in Yeseul’s situation would have thought of the same plan. In fact, it was a textbook move, almost as if Betago itself was forcing players down this path. The Disciple of the Great Black Mage. The appearance of the black magic mages. The authority to command them. Although she would be marked for death by the people of the continent, so what? Anyone who chose the black magic mage class was prepared for that. There were probably countless players who chose it just to spread infamy across the land. This was a chance to stand at the very top of them all. A fool who would miss this chance would never have obtained the "Disciple of the Great Black Mage" class in the first place.

"Will you be okay?" Seolah asked Simin.

"Yes, this is more than enough."

The only concern was what would happen next. Sending Yeseul over to build trust was the right move. But after that? Would Simin meekly open the path to the Rich Territory for the black magic mages? Absolutely not. That meant he intended to stop them, but the question was whether it was possible.

’He doesn’t have Sudal or the rabbits...’

It would be a tough fight even with his full forces. The black magic mages were that strong. Their physical stats were likely superior due to their higher levels, and the effectiveness of their unpredictable curse magic multiplied with each additional caster. He had Squeaker and Kardian, two dragons, but would that be enough?

The doubt didn’t last long. Simin, having already made up his mind, pulled out his hammer.

"If I lose, I might as well be dead. Think of how much money I’ve spent on this."

Screeeeeeeech!

At the same time, Squeaker began to swell in size again, a golden light flashing around it.

The Specialists were shocked by the sight of Squeaker revealed in the light.

"W-What’s that?!"

They were used to seeing a gargoyle-sized golden bird, so its sudden growth was startling. And that wasn’t all.

"Why is its color..."

Before they could figure it out, Simin shouted.

"Go! Smoked Golden Chicken!"

Screeeeeeeech!

With golden scales and wings so red they looked like they’d been perfectly roasted, Squeaker now boasted the majestic belly of a dragon as it soared into the air.

*

Simin’s gamble was whether to enhance first and invest later, or invest first and enhance later.

He had bet on the former, and the 50% odds had rewarded him.

[Special Enhancement Successful.]

[’+15 Golden Hatchling’ evolves into ’+15 Golden Hatchling (★)’.]

[First Pet Enhancement.]

[You have acquired 50 Stat Points.]

[You have acquired the title ’Enhancement Master Who Leapt Over the Wall’.]

"A star?"

Not knowing what it meant, he set it aside and opened Squeaker’ information window. That wasn’t what was important right now. What mattered was what had changed! Had it gotten stronger? After checking various stats, Simin’s expression brightened.

"It worked."

It wasn’t a temporary enhancement. A permanent 10% bonus had been added to all its stats.

"Phew."

That was enough. He figured he’d find other improvements if he looked carefully later. Relieved, he invested the GP he had saved up. Leveling up to 70 cost 80,000 GP. To 80 cost 160,000, to 90 cost 320,000, and to 100 cost 1,280,000. In an instant, all his GP was gone. Even so, Simin didn’t make the mistake of converting the cost to real money. If he had, his joy would have vanished in a heartbeat.

Thanks to his focused investment, Squeaker reached level 100. And the change began.

"Squeak!"

It evolved with a roar. Its body grew as it hit level 100, creating a synergy with the special enhancement stone.

[’+15 Golden Hatchling (★)’ has undergone its 3rd evolution.]

[Due to the effect of the Special Enhancement, it evolves into ’+15 Golden Hatchling of Flame (★)’.]

[Fire attribute added to all magic.]

[Fire attribute added to all physical attacks.]

[Immunity to Fire attribute has been maximized.]

The change was enough to surprise even Kardian, who was watching. Simin was amazed by Squeaker’ new form.

"Wow."

It had finally taken on the majestic appearance of a dragon, after devouring over two million gold. The feeling was overwhelming. For a moment, a slideshow of all the gold Squeaker had eaten since it was an egg flashed through his mind. Back then, he had wondered if any madman would actually hatch it and raise it to the end. To think that madman would be him. All he could do was let out a hollow laugh.

Screeeeeeeech!

Listening to its deeper cry, he stroked its golden belly. He climbed onto its back, settling between its fiery red wings.

"The ride is much better now."

"Squeak!"

It felt like an upgrade from business class to first class. Feeling the satisfaction of his investment, he also checked the title.

[Enhancement Master Who Leapt Over the Wall]

[Grade: Special]

[Description: You who have transcended common sense. You are fully qualified to bear the name of a legend.]

[Benefit: Special Enhancement Success Rate +5%]

"Not very useful."

For someone who never enhanced unless it was a 100% certainty, the title held little interest. He immediately turned his attention to Squeaker’ 4,600 accumulated stat points and began to ponder.

"These are the last stats. What should I do?"

From level 101 onwards, the gold required per level was 256,000. He’d rather start a company and help the needy than spend that much on leveling up, so he cleanly gave up on the idea. ’I’ll just make good use of what I have.’ He considered dumping everything into Strength and Agility again, but he hesitated, remembering how useful Gold Magic had been. So, he asked Kardian for help.

"Hey. Is it good for a Gold Dragon to have a lot of mana?"

"That question isn’t even worth answering."

"So it’s good, then?"

"The foundation of a Gold Dragon is gold. It can use magic with the power of gold, regardless of mana."

"So it’s useless?"

"However, if its mana is high, it can cast certain spells proportionate to its mana pool without using gold."

"Huh?"

"Also, it’s just a rumor I heard from my ancestors, but they say a Gold Dragon that has maxed out its mana can create a gold mine with it..."

Before the ever-helpful Kardian could finish her explanation, Simin’s hand was already moving toward the Mana stat. 4,600 stat points were invested.

Screeeeeeeech!

Squeaker let out a deep cry as its mana surged. The dragon, which had been forced to put all its points into physical stats with only 1 point in Mana, spread its wings and roared. What a moving moment!

"Squeak!"

Squeaker expressed its gratitude to its mother, Kardian.

"Hey! Try casting some magic!"

"Squeak!"

Then, as if afraid of being scolded, it gathered all its mana.

Vwoom—

The resonance created a ripple so large it spread far and wide. Simin’s eyes filled with anticipation. As if to ruin his mood, Kardian threw in a comment.

"However, the consumed mana takes a very long time to regenerate. I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but I’m sure you’d take it out on me otherwise."

Simin fell silent.

Squeaker’ magic incantation stopped there. It hurt his pride to be swayed by Kardian’s words, but what could he do?

"Let’s save it for when we really need it, Squeaker."

"Squeak!"

A time when it would be absolutely necessary was bound to come. And that choice was finally about to pay off, right here, in front of countless black magic mages.

*

Vwoooom—

Mana gathered. It was filled with the resolve to show everything it couldn’t before. The black magic mages, caught off guard by the dragon’s appearance, swallowed hard and prepared their defensive magic.

"We can block it!"

"Give it your all!"

The black magic mages were brave. They were also confident in their own strength. The entire northern branch of black magic mages was gathered here. Even against a dragon, with three 7th-circle black magic mages among them, there was no reason they couldn’t block it.

"As long as it’s not the Pope’s Sacrifice..."

Screeeeeeeech!

Squeaker’ cry pierced through their pride. This was no mere threat. With the cry, a light flashed—a mixture of gold and crimson, with a pure white light breaking through from within.

"Go! Sacrifice!"

Screeeeeeeech!

[100,000 GP will be consumed.]

[The mana of ’+15 Golden Hatchling of Flame (★)’ has been completely depleted.]

[Time until mana recovery: 720:00:00]

With an attack from the world’s most cunning man, the darkness was flooded with light.

*